Are Rats the Right Pet For You?
Should You Get a Pet Rat?
Rats are adorable, friendly, fun, cuddly and clean pets that many people adore. Some even claim they couldn’t imagine life without their pet rats. So you may be thinking of getting a pair of rats for yourself, but the question is, is a rat the right pet for you? Let’s go over some of the basics. Ask yourself the important questions and consider the answers carefully before you go searching for your pet rats. What should you consider before getting rats? If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already been considering getting pet rats. If you’re already a proud rat parent, feel free to skip this section, and move on to Basic Rat Care.
Are you willing to care for two rats; not just one?
First thing’s first. Rats need a buddy! Rats must be housed in at least pairs, and can be kept in groups of up to 20 rats. Rats are incredibly social animals and can become very stressed, and even ill, if they are not kept in pairs. If you desire to have pet rats, you will need to get a same-sex pair of rats.
First thing’s first. Rats need a buddy! Rats must be housed in at least pairs, and can be kept in groups of up to 20 rats. Rats are incredibly social animals and can become very stressed, and even ill, if they are not kept in pairs. If you desire to have pet rats, you will need to get a same-sex pair of rats.
Do you have the space, or the money, for a large cage?
Rats require a large, wire cage, and provide at least 2 cubic feet of space or more for two rats. Your rats’ cage will also need to have lots of levels, toys, and other accessories to keep your rats entertained and comfortable. They will be spending a majority of their time in their cage. A suitable cage for two or more rats may cost up to $200.
Speaking of cage accessories, everything you will need for your rats may cost up to $100, and you’ll need to learn exactly what these items are. It’s important to know what kinds of cage accessories and toys are important, and which ones should be avoided.
Note: Rats cannot be housed in a tank (aquarium/terrarium) long term, under any circumstances.
Rats require a large, wire cage, and provide at least 2 cubic feet of space or more for two rats. Your rats’ cage will also need to have lots of levels, toys, and other accessories to keep your rats entertained and comfortable. They will be spending a majority of their time in their cage. A suitable cage for two or more rats may cost up to $200.
Speaking of cage accessories, everything you will need for your rats may cost up to $100, and you’ll need to learn exactly what these items are. It’s important to know what kinds of cage accessories and toys are important, and which ones should be avoided.
Note: Rats cannot be housed in a tank (aquarium/terrarium) long term, under any circumstances.
Are you willing to spend the time to clean your cage?
Your rat cage will also need to be cleaned at least once per week. You will need to change the bedding, wipe the cage pan, and individually clean each accessory in the cage. Depending on the size of the cage, this process may take a few hours to complete.
Your rat cage will also need to be cleaned at least once per week. You will need to change the bedding, wipe the cage pan, and individually clean each accessory in the cage. Depending on the size of the cage, this process may take a few hours to complete.
Do you have an extra hour each day to play with your rats?
Rats need at least one hour of playtime, or “free-roam time” every day. They need to have a place where they can safely run free, play with toys, climb, and explore. You’ll need to provide a playpen, or a rat-proofed room to allow your rats free-roam time.
Rats need at least one hour of playtime, or “free-roam time” every day. They need to have a place where they can safely run free, play with toys, climb, and explore. You’ll need to provide a playpen, or a rat-proofed room to allow your rats free-roam time.
Are you okay with getting scratched up and peed on?
Rats can sometimes have very sharp nails. Even when clipped or filed down, rats can leave scratches all over you when handling them. Rats are also notorious for peeing on everything, so you may get urine in your scratch wounds. It doesn’t hurt at all, but it can cause itchiness and irritation. You must also be okay with having your rats pee on your clothing and furniture.
Rats can sometimes have very sharp nails. Even when clipped or filed down, rats can leave scratches all over you when handling them. Rats are also notorious for peeing on everything, so you may get urine in your scratch wounds. It doesn’t hurt at all, but it can cause itchiness and irritation. You must also be okay with having your rats pee on your clothing and furniture.
Are you prepared to deal with common rat illnesses?
Many rats suffer from a number of health issues, especially respiratory problems and tumors. You will need to know exactly what signs to look out for and when you will need to take your rats to the vet.
Many rats suffer from a number of health issues, especially respiratory problems and tumors. You will need to know exactly what signs to look out for and when you will need to take your rats to the vet.
Are you willing to look past their short lifespans?
The average lifespan of a rat is up to 3 years. Keep in mind you will only spend a relatively short amount of time with your rats. If you’re the kind of person who likes to have pets that live for 10 years or more, rats may not be for you.
The average lifespan of a rat is up to 3 years. Keep in mind you will only spend a relatively short amount of time with your rats. If you’re the kind of person who likes to have pets that live for 10 years or more, rats may not be for you.
Are you willing to commit 3 or more full years to your rats?
If you are willing to do this, you must be prepared to commit all 3 years to your rats. Re-homing a rat that’s over 1 or 2 years old is not only extremely stressful for the rat, but it can also mean that the rat will never find a permanent home. Most people don’t want to adopt an animal that’s already lived half their life, or only have a few months left to live.
If you are willing to do this, you must be prepared to commit all 3 years to your rats. Re-homing a rat that’s over 1 or 2 years old is not only extremely stressful for the rat, but it can also mean that the rat will never find a permanent home. Most people don’t want to adopt an animal that’s already lived half their life, or only have a few months left to live.
Are you willing to put up with rats making lots of noise at night?
Rats are mostly nocturnal animals, which means they will be awake and active a lot during the middle of the night. For a while, before you get used to it, you may be kept awake by sounds of wrestling, squeaking, wheel running, and water bottle clicking. Most people do get used to it after a while, and claim that they can no longer fall asleep without these sounds.
Rats are mostly nocturnal animals, which means they will be awake and active a lot during the middle of the night. For a while, before you get used to it, you may be kept awake by sounds of wrestling, squeaking, wheel running, and water bottle clicking. Most people do get used to it after a while, and claim that they can no longer fall asleep without these sounds.
Are you willing to buy your rat food exclusively online, or make your own rat food?
Most store-bought rat food is not a good dietary choice for pet rats. You will more than likely need to purchase your food online, and won’t have the convenience of picking it up in-store on the same day you need it. An alternative is to make a homemade mix.
Most store-bought rat food is not a good dietary choice for pet rats. You will more than likely need to purchase your food online, and won’t have the convenience of picking it up in-store on the same day you need it. An alternative is to make a homemade mix.
Are you willing to deal with the cruel words of ignorant people for the sake of your rats?
People will judge you. I hate to say it, but this is the harsh reality that all of us rat parents have to face. Plenty of times, when people hear that you have pet rats, they may be delighted and intrigued, and eager to learn more about your little friends. However, every once in a while, you will bump into someone who says that rats are gross, tells you that you should kill them, or even verbally harasses you personally for even mentioning the word “rat.” People can be very cruel, and someone who is especially ignorant will come up with plenty of horrible things to say to you. It’s up to you to decide how to deal with these types of people.
People will judge you. I hate to say it, but this is the harsh reality that all of us rat parents have to face. Plenty of times, when people hear that you have pet rats, they may be delighted and intrigued, and eager to learn more about your little friends. However, every once in a while, you will bump into someone who says that rats are gross, tells you that you should kill them, or even verbally harasses you personally for even mentioning the word “rat.” People can be very cruel, and someone who is especially ignorant will come up with plenty of horrible things to say to you. It’s up to you to decide how to deal with these types of people.
Rats are not easy pets. In fact, there’s no such thing as an “easy” pet; but rats require a lot more work, knowledge and attention than their smaller rodent cousins. Making the decision to adopt a pair of rats is just as big of a decision as getting a dog or a cat. You will need to do a lot of research about rat care before you can be prepared to be a good rat parent and maintain your pets properly. I hope that you will continue to stick with me and learn everything you need to know before adding a pair of rats to your family. This section was not meant to discourage you from getting rats, but to ensure that you are able and willing to care for them properly. Rats are a big responsibility, just like a dog or a cat; and require a lot more care than many people assume. If you answered yes to all of the above questions, I’m excited for you to begin this journey and prepare yourself to be the best rat parent you can be.
Adopting rats is one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. Rats have the ability to completely change your life, warm your heart, and make your whole world a better and brighter place. Although, they come with a cost and they are a lot of work, if you love your rats enough it will not seem like work at all. You will soon realize that they do so much more for you than you could ever do for them, and the amount of time, money, and work you put into them is nothing compared to the unconditional love, happiness, and companionship they provide to you.
Click here to begin your journey in learning about All Things Pet Rats!
Adopting rats is one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. Rats have the ability to completely change your life, warm your heart, and make your whole world a better and brighter place. Although, they come with a cost and they are a lot of work, if you love your rats enough it will not seem like work at all. You will soon realize that they do so much more for you than you could ever do for them, and the amount of time, money, and work you put into them is nothing compared to the unconditional love, happiness, and companionship they provide to you.
Click here to begin your journey in learning about All Things Pet Rats!